Free SHL Test Practice: A Comprehensive Guide

What Is an SHL Test?

SHL tests are one of the most commonly used assessment tools for recruiters considering candidates for employment.

SHL offers a variety of timed tests designed to provide recruiters with information about proficiency and capability in areas like deductive reasoning, numerical skills, and situational judgement.

In many cases, SHL tests provide vital information to employers. This is then used to direct their recruitment process. 

Usually, passing will be a requirement for individuals hoping to progress to the next stage. This means that practice is vital. Scoring well on your SHL tests could well mean the difference between being offered the role you want, or not. 

In this article, you will learn more about the different SHL tests and get tips on how to practice effectively. Free SHL practice questions are also included to help you with your test prep.

Types of SHL Tests You Can Practice

SHL produces a number of different tests, each designed to evaluate a candidate in a specific way: 

• Cognitive ability tests – Accurately assesses whether individuals have the core skills and knowledge required for a role 
• Behavioral and personality tests – Considers how well a person might be suited to the company they are applying to work for
• Skills-based and job-specific tests – Commonly used by employers who require a very specific skill set from their employees

SHL Cognitive Ability Tests

Cognitive ability tests are designed to assess key skills and knowledge. Commonly used SHL cognitive assessments include: 

• Verbal reasoning
• Numerical reasoning
• Logical reasoning tests

All of the assessments have strict time constraints, meaning that an ability to answer quickly and accurately is vital.

Because of this, using free SHL aptitude tests in your test prep is key. Using free SHL aptitude tests will enable you to familiarize yourself with the test and feel confident in your abilities.

Verbal Reasoning

Candidates will have 30 minutes to answer a total of 19 questions.

Using the results of this test, employers will be able to accurately assess an individual's ability to understand and evaluate written information. 

Numerical Reasoning

This is commonly considered to be the most challenging SHL test. Candidates are required to answer 10 questions within an 18-minute time limit.

Questions are designed to effectively assess interpretation of numerical data, calculation, and analysis skills.

Logical Reasoning

Referred to as ‘inductive reasoning’, this SHL test aims to assess an individual's ability to draw conclusions from information.

Questions require individuals to identify patterns and trends and select answers based on the evidence.

There are three different versions of this test, offering candidates between 18 and 25 minutes to answer between 15 and 24 questions.

SHL Behavioral and Personality Tests

Behavioral and personality tests are designed to identify candidates who are likely to be a good fit within a company. Employers can screen for individuals with a particular ethos or attitude that complements their values. Many companies choose the SHL Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ) as part of this process.

While a personality test doesn’t have specific right or wrong answers, practicing for this assessment will help you to understand what to expect and feel more comfortable when taking the test.

Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ)

There are a number of versions of this test, but they all have a similar format. Typically, candidates will be required to answer 104 questions relating to a range of statements.

They will then need to select the ones that they feel are most or least like their personality. Tests are completed under timed conditions.

SHL Skills-Based and Job-Specific Tests

Some employers seek candidates with a specific set of skills for a role. For this reason, SHL developed a range of skills-based tests that can be used by employers to identify the best candidates for each role. Coding, language, and situational judgment tests are commonly used.

If you are applying for a highly-skilled role, or a position that requires specialist knowledge, it’s a good idea to practice these job-specific tests. Practice tests improve familiarity and may give you a better idea of what a potential employer is looking for. 

Coding Tests

Coding is an increasingly desirable skill for employers within the tech sector. SHL’s Coding Skills Assessment uses AI-generated technology to simulate coding problems. A candidate's coding ability is then tested for logical correctness and accuracy. 

Language Tests

SHL language tests are AI-powered assessments that accurately measure a candidate's knowledge and understanding of verbal and written language skills. 

Situational Judgement Tests

Using hypothetical workplace situations, candidates are required to select the responses they feel most accurately match with their attitudes and personality.

With graduate and managerial test options available, employers are able to select the candidates who most closely match the soft skills required in their company.

Why Practicing for SHL Tests Is Important

It’s always a good idea to practice for a test, especially when the results can shape your career path.

Regular, consistent practice has a range of benefits including improving your speed, accuracy, and confidence when answering questions.

SHL tests are timed, so being able to answer questions quickly and accurately is an essential skill. Practice tests will help to familiarize you with the test format and get you used to working under pressure.

Practicing SHL tests doesn’t have to come at an expense. There are plenty of free study guides, free SHL test questions and answers, and resources to help you prepare. You can create a comprehensive study schedule without needing to spend a single penny. 

Free SHL Practice Test Questions

1. Cognitive Ability Tests

Verbal Reasoning

1. Which of the following statements most closely matches the meaning of the below phrase?

"The company has been running on empty for months"

a) The company is running very efficiently.
b) The company is experiencing financial difficulty.
c) The company has hired a new manager.
d) The company is operating at maximum capacity.

The correct answer is: b) The company is experiencing financial difficulty.

The phrase "running on empty" typically refers to being low on resources, especially energy or finances, implying the company is struggling.

2. If all men are mortal, and Socrates is a man, which conclusion is correct?

a) Socrates is not mortal.
b) All men are immortal.
c) Socrates is mortal.
d) Socrates could be immortal.

The correct answer is: C) Socrates is mortal.

This is a deductive reasoning question. If all men are mortal and Socrates is a man, then the conclusion is that Socrates must be mortal.

Numerical Reasoning

1. A company’s profit last year was £45,000. This year, it is 20% higher.

What is this year's profit?

a) £50,000
b) £54,000
c) £55,000
d) £52,000

The correct answer is: b) £54,000

To find the increase: £45,000 × 0.20 = £9,000. Adding this to last year's profit: £45,000 + £9,000 = £54,000.

2. A store sells a product for £60. If the price is increased by 10%, what will the new price be?

a) £66
b) £70
c) £65
d) £68

The correct answer is: a) £66

To calculate the new price: £60 × 0.10 = £6. Adding this to the original price: £60 + £6 = £66.

Logical Reasoning

1. Which of the following completes the series?

2, 4, 8, 16, __?

a) 32
b) 30
c) 36
d) 20

The correct answer is: a) 32

The sequence is doubling each time:

2 × 2 = 4; 4 × 2 = 8; 8 × 2 = 16 and 16 × 2 = 32

2. Which number should replace the question mark?

3 | 9 | 27 | ? | 243

a) 45
b) 81
c) 72
d) 90

The correct answer is: b) 81

Each number is multiplied by 3:

3 × 3 = 9; 9 × 3 = 27; 27 × 3 = 81 and 81 × 3 = 243

2. Behavioral and Personality Tests

Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ)

1. When faced with a difficult task, how do you typically react?

a) I give up after a few attempts if it's too hard.
b) I try a different approach and continue until I find a solution.
c) I ask others for help immediately.
d) I avoid difficult tasks whenever possible.

The correct answer is: b) I try a different approach and continue until I find a solution.

This question is assessing persistence and problem-solving skills. Option B reflects resilience, which is a positive trait for most employers.

2. How do you feel about working in a team?

a) I prefer working independently.
b) I enjoy collaborating with others and sharing ideas.
c) I find it difficult to work in teams.
d) I avoid team environments whenever possible.

The correct answer is: B) I enjoy collaborating with others and sharing ideas.

This question assesses your teamwork and communication skills. Option B is a typical response that indicates a collaborative mindset, valuable for most roles.

3. SHL Skills-Based and Job-Specific Tests

1. (Coding Test): Which of the following code snippets will print "Hello, World!" in Python?

a) print("Hello, World!")
b) echo("Hello, World!")
c) print "Hello, World!"
d) console.log("Hello, World!")

The correct answer is: a) print("Hello, World!")

In Python, the correct syntax to print output is print("Hello, World!").

2. (Situational Judgement Test): You are part of a team project with a tight deadline. One of your teammates has been consistently late with their tasks, which is affecting the team’s progress.

What do you do?

a) Ignore the issue and complete the work yourself.
b) Confront the teammate and express your frustration.
c) Speak to the teammate privately to understand their issues and offer help.
d) Report the teammate to the manager immediately.

The correct answer is: c) Speak to the teammate privately to understand their issues and offer help.

This option demonstrates teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. It’s important to address issues directly and collaboratively before escalating.

How to Practice Effectively for SHL Tests

Practice doesn’t have to be difficult. There are a number of simple steps you can take to effectively prepare for SHL tests.

Take Timed Practice Tests

One of the best ways to prepare for any assessment is with practice. In the case of SHL tests, practicing under real test conditions with a timed, free online SHL test is essential. 

This will help to familiarize you with the format of assessments, as well as the time constraints of the test you are facing.

Review Your Mistakes

Once you’ve completed your paid for or free SHL test examples, take time to go back and look over your mistakes. Doing this will help you to identify any areas of weakness and may help to prevent you from making the same mistakes in the future. 

Use a Variety of Practice Questions

Although SHL tests commonly follow a similar format, they can also offer a variety of questions. It’s important to practice a range of different question types so that you’re familiar with them all before the real test.

You can find a variety of practice test questions on JobTestPrep.

Track Your Progress

One of the best ways to ensure your scores are improving is by tracking your progress. 

By keeping track of your previous scores, you can quickly and easily see where you are improving and where you might need to target additional practice. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long do SHL tests take?

The exact duration of your SHL tests will vary depending on the tests you’re asked to take. Typically, each test will last between 15 and 45 minutes. 

Are SHL tests the same for every employer?

No. SHL provides a vast array of tests for employers to choose from. This enables them to select the skills and abilities most relevant to their industry or the role they’re hiring for. 

How can I improve my score on SHL tests?

Improving your scores doesn’t have to be complicated. Taking – and reviewing – free SHL test questions and answers, as well as using reputable practice sites can all help to improve your SHL test scores. 

Can I retake an SHL test if I fail?

This will vary depending on the individual employer, as different companies have different policies. 

In some cases, failing SHL tests will be the end of your recruitment journey. In others, you will be able to reapply or retake tests after a designated waiting period. 

Are free SHL practice tests as effective as paid ones?

Free tests can offer a good starting point for brushing up on skills and identifying weaknesses. 

However, there is a limit on how much information they can offer. Paid versions often provide more detailed feedback and full-length practice exams. So start with free tests before paying for a study package. 

Final Thoughts

SHL tests are a common part of the recruitment process for many employers. Performing well in your assessments is essential if you want to secure the role of your dreams.

Taking the time to implement a regular practice schedule can help to significantly improve your performance. Practice doesn’t have to be expensive. Take advantage of the resources available, such as free SHL practice questions, to start brushing up on vital skills and identify areas of weakness.

By consistently practicing, tracking your results, and focusing your efforts on improving in weaker areas, when you take your SHL tests for real, you will be able to perform to the very best of your abilities.